During the 60s, when I was little, children always came after marriage. If a woman had a child out of wedlock, her family would often be dishonored. Most often she didn't marry the child's father, but somewhere between then and now things changed. Today, having a child out of wedlock has become very acceptable. As a matter of fact, being unemployed, single or poor is no longer a concern. That is, expectant mothers can depend on government support if they are entitled to income. The first problem associated with these programs is that for a large number of these women and their families, welfare has turned into a long-term dependency. The second dilemma is that their welfare lifestyle has created many of our nation's social problems. And the third problem is that the cost of these services has resulted in a huge financial drain on our economy. For this reason, various government programs and policies were created to encourage these women to stop having children they could not afford. The most controversial policy, the “family cap,” was caused by the failure of the welfare system to successfully assist the people it was supposed to help. This policy is a law that limits the benefits a supported family can receive when an additional child is born. Problems associated with this law include the ongoing debate over its political and moral implications. For example, politically, the “family cap” is believed to violate women's individual rights. Morally it is believed to be responsible for the increase in abortions. In any case, women must take responsibility for themselves and their families. Additionally, men must be held responsible for children they are unwilling to support. Having said that, I... middle of paper... opher Jencks. “Do poor women have the right to have children?” The American Perspective 20 (1995): 43+. General OneFile. Network. February 1, 2012.Gastley, Kelly J. “Why Family Cap Laws Don't Get Done.” William and MaryLaw Review October 2004: 373+. Academic OneFile. Network. February 7, 2012.Houppert, Karen. "For her own good – With the 'Family Cap', the State tells welfare mothers: no more children!" The Nation February 4, 2002: 20. OneFile.Web general. February 7, 2012.Loonstra PH.D, Ann. Personal interview. February 17 q 2012. Tanner, Michael and Tad DeHaven. ""TANF and federal welfare. Downsizing the Federal Government." Cato Institute, September 2010. Web. 09 February 2012." The results of the reproductive health study are outlined in reports from the City University of New York." Women's Health Weekly 17 December 2009: 228. General OneFile. Web .7 February. 2012.